City Council
City officials challenge City Council leaders to provide 'original ideas"
Administration officials recently asked for guidance from the city council about Fulton hotel’s future, but Council members declined to offer assistance, with Larvadain saying the mayor "made a series of horrible decisions" and was looking to be bailed out by the council. Council member Gibson indicated that relationship problems between the administration and council are caused by the administration. Full article.
Alexander Fulton hotel on Alexandria's council agenda
The City Council plans to discuss the status of the Alexander Fulton Hotel when it meets today and make a recommendation whether or not to close the hotel. Full article.
Alexandria City Council approves budget
The city of Alexandria finally has a budget. The council approved the compromise budget on May 31, 2011. Only City Council Vice President Ed Larvadain III voted against the measure, saying he couldn't support the budget’s fee increases and felt there were other places from which to cut. Full article.
Main Street renamed Second Street in downtown Alexandria
The Alexandria City Council passed a resolution renaming a 13-block area of Main Street -- from Casson Street to Scott Street -- as Second Street. Main Street was known as Second Street from Alexandria's inception until 1957, when a group of merchants led a drive to have the street renamed Main Street. Full article.
Council President Johnson tries to 'terminate' Alexandria mayor's executive staff
Alexandria City Council President Johnson informed Mayor Jacques M. Roy on Dec. 31, 2010 that all of the mayor's division heads' jobs are terminated. Johnson requested names of people Roy wanted to appoint as directors of the legal, finance, public works, utilities, human resources, planning and community services divisions. Roy said the letter violates the City Charter, but he is ready to move forward. Full article.
Graffiti problem: Alexandria officials eye prevention
Alexandria’s City Council's Public Works/Zoning Committee recently discussed the possibility of starting a graffiti-abatement program in the city after learning about graffiti near Peabody Magnet High School and at Frank O. Hunter Park. Cenla Pride, a local organization dedicated to fighting litter and blight in Central Louisiana, told the City Council they possess extensive experience running a graffiti-prevention program, and asked to be considered for the program. Full Article.
Utility incentives program approved
Alexandria’s City Council recently passed a utility incentives program to aid economic development and job creation, with emphasis on three cultural restoration areas. The program distinguishes between businesses within the city of Alexandria and those located specifically in areas defined by the city's Specially Planned Activity Redevelopment Corridors initiative. Full Article.
Alexandria’s budget up for approval
City officials continue to mull over next fiscal year's General Fund budget, which will shrink by about $9 million. Finance Director David Crutchfield presented the preliminary budget to the City Council two weeks ago. The General Fund accounts for the activities of elected officials and the general administration, as well as the divisions of finance, public works, planning, public safety, personnel and legal. Full Article.
Alexandria council to confront $9M deficit
Alexandria City Council members will focus on the proposed operating budget for fiscal 2010-11 during the Finance Committee's meeting and will discuss how to eliminate a deficit of about $9 million before May 1, the start of the fiscal year. Full Article.
Next step for Alexandria council: whether to sign off on hotel project
The city of Alexandria secured the signature needed to execute a term sheet for its downtown hotels initiative, a step that puts the future of the project in the hands of the City Council. Full Article.
